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By Phillip O'Brien

JASPER FRANKLIN’S CONSTANT TRAVELLING & PERSEVERANCE HAS PAID OFF BY TAKING OUT THE 2023 RISING STAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR TITLE

Apprentice Jess Del Frari won the final Rising Star Series heat at Goulburn in February, saluting the judge with Bobby's Secret for trainer Melissa Harrison.

But despite placing second in the final heat, Jasper Franklin extended his points score and has been crowned the 2022/23 Rising Star Series Champion.

Racing NSW Head Jockey Coach, Corey Brown hands the Rising Star Series trophy to Jasper Franklin. Image by Bradley Photographers

Franklin accumulated 33 series points over the 16 heats which included a victory at Taree on December 18.

“It was one of my goals to win this prestigious Series after trying hard to compete last season but didn’t have much luck,” Franklin said.

The 19-year-old ensured he had every chance to win and travelling was not an issue.

“I was having to travel six hours or more from Coffs Harbour to Scone, Tamworth and Warwick Farm,” Franklin said.

“After the first two heats I saw myself in a winnable position but was mindful that to beat the likes of Dylan Gibbons and Tyler Schiller that I would have to travel a bit.

“Once I won the Taree heat (December 18th) I started to believe I could win this.”

The Rising Star Series, which was launched in 1999/2000, is open to NSW and ACT indentured apprentice riders and has an honour roll including Jenny Duggan, Mikayla Weir, Andrew Adkins and Sam Clipperton.

Racing NSW Head Jockey Coach, Corey Brown, said the Rising Star Series is a good launching pad for apprentice jockeys to further their careers.

“I think it’s a really great concept for the kids,” Brown said.

“It’s pleasing that they all get involved and bounce off one another throughout the Series.

“The feedback that I’ve had from all apprentices this year has been promising and it’s just been a great competition for all riders.”

For all articles, final point score, honour roll, conditions, etc. head to - www.racingnsw.com.au/media-news-premierships/rising-star-series

FINAL RISING STAR SERIES SCOREBOARD